Remote and hybrid arrangements are transforming the global workforce. As a result, statistical agencies are rushing to measure what this evolution entails, and how to further prepare for the future.
According to economists José María Barrero of the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico, Nicholas Bloom of Stanford University and Steven Davis of the University of Chicago, one-third of work was performed remotely in the U.S. in 2021 and 2022.
However, sources are showing varied results about remote work, with some finding a stark increase and others showing a decline.
A poll from Gallup also showed the number of professionals with the ability to work remotely actually doing so fell from 39% in February to 29% in June.
For the knowledge industry, which often relies on devices and reliable WiFi to operate, three out of five workdays are completed remotely according to the economists. Sectors that saw the highest rate of remote work included communications, finance, insurance and technology.
Of course, when it comes to the frontline and the service industries, the ability to work from home drops tremendously. Among these jobs, just one out of every five work days was performed from home – and that mainly includes those within sales and management roles.
“There is different exposure of industries to remote work, but the exposure to remote work writ large is universal,” said Liz Wilke, principal economist at payroll and benefits company Gusto. “Every single industry experienced an increase.”
